Thursday morning, way too early, we departed Cologne for Gent, changing trains in Brussels. We’re at a pretty posh place in Gent, one of the NH chain hotels, because it’s cheap. Gent is apparently cheap in comparison to Brussels and other European cities. I’m just excited because I bought a Belgian waffle from a street vendor haha. So yummy.
Anyway, we left to explore the center of the city. It’s supposedly a 15 min walk, but I think it was more than that plus we went around in circles a lot. Again, way too much walking. Made it to the center and checked out St Nickolas Church. It was very nice and very different than what we’ve seen so far, but it’s so hard to really compare to the Dom. After that, St Baaf with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb triptych by the Van Eyck’s. Oddly…you have to pay 3euro to see the actual work, but they have 2 reproductions of it in the church, one of them huge. I was going to pay to see it anyway, so I can be an art snob but then a field trip or tour of teens came through and I didn’t want to wait for them. The church was also very nice, and very strange as it is decorated with strange water color looking paintings. Which also had priestly robes painted to match, on display in the crypt. With everything being in non-english I couldn’t quite figure it out but one of the clergy must have been an artist or something. One of the art museums in the town is closed for renovations and some of the religious works were moved into the crypt to remain on display. Cool to see other artists names I recognized like Rubens and Bosch. Lots to see in St Baaf but no photographs allowed, of course they want you to buy their postcard photos. That’s ok. Wandered around lots, then went back to the same area to go to the Belfry. 3Euro gets you to the top and through the 3 floors to see the bells, the clock works, and a great view of the city. Unfortunately it was quite hazy so, while very nice out, visibility was sort of crappy. Got a better idea of the city layout though. Also the belfry had the best weather vane ever. This huge copper (I think) dragon, complete with metal flame coming out of its mouth – which actually they’d somehow make him spit fire during festivals or events. They had 2 versions on display (and they’re huge) from ages ago as they had to be replaced. They’re missing a huge tourist merchandising opportunity by not selling stuffed dragons or small metal reproductions. Loved that thing. They actually didn’t sell anything…
More walking around, passed one of the castles, along the river, finally wandering back to the hotel. I’m in bad shape physically. Every muscle I have hurts right now, I’m an invalid. However tomorrow I hope to get out to the museum of psychiatry in one of Belgiums oldest asylums, and some of the castles. We plan to get out to Lede to the Castle of Mesen before leaving for Brussels on Sunday (show day). I only hope Mesen is still standing, as rumors of its impending demolition have it disappearing right around now, though nothing was really clear.
This is probably the only time I’ll be online from Gent – 10 euros for 24 unconsecutive hours….yikes. Photos to come.